Polymers

Definition

Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units called monomers, linked by covalent bonds. They play a crucial role in the structure and function of cells and biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polymers form through dehydration synthesis, where water is removed to bond monomers together.
2. Proteins are polymers made up of amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds.
3. Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are polymers composed of nucleotide monomers.
4. Polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose are polymers of sugar monomers like glucose.
5. Hydrolysis is the process that breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Review Questions

• What type of reaction forms polymers from monomers?
• Name two biological macromolecules that are examples of polymers.
• How are polymers broken down into their respective monomers?

Related terms

Monomer:

A small molecule that can bind chemically to other molecules to form a polymer.

Dehydration Synthesis: A chemical reaction where water is removed to join two molecules together.

Hydrolysis:

A chemical reaction where water is added to break the bonds between molecules in a polymer.